The sports world's obsession with Erin Andrews has taken a disturbing turn.

Andrews has worked at ESPN since 2004. (Kevork Djansezian / Getty Images)

A lawyer for the popular ESPN sideline reporter says that she was unwittingly videotaped through a peephole in a hotel room without her consent and that she intends to take legal action against the still unknown perpetrators.

The video, which was later posted on the Internet, showed a woman in the nude. Reports say the initial video posting made no direct reference to Andrews being that woman, but her attorney later confirmed it.

"While alone in the privacy of her hotel room, Erin Andrews was surreptitiously videotaped without her knowledge or consent," Andrews' attorney, Marshall B. Grossman, said in a statement via Page Ranking Newswire. "She was the victim of a crime and is taking action to protect herself and help ensure that others are not similarly violated in the future. Although the perpetrator or perpetrators of this criminal act have not yet been identified, when they are identified she intends to bring both civil and criminal charges against them and against anyone who has published the material. We request respect of Erin's privacy at this time, while she and her representatives are working with the authorities."

It was not clear from the reports what hotel the video was filmed in or when it was made. The video has since been pulled from the Internet.

ESPN also came to Andrews' defense.

"Erin has been grievously wronged," ESPN spokesman Mark Mandel said. "Our people and resources are in full support of her as she deals with this abhorrent act."